Monday, January 25, 2010

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

When 11-year-old Marty Preston chances upon a mistreated beagle pup in his hometown of Friendly, West Virginia, he is not prepared for the ethical questions he has to face. Should he return the dog to its owner, only to have the animal abused again? Should he tell his parents? Should he steal food to help the poor creature? Marty's efforts to cope with these questions provides the moral backbone for this story, which is presented in a language and manner that will be understood by third- and fourth-grade readers. The heart and beauty of this 1992 Newbery Medal winner lies in lessons children will take away with them.

This was a wonderful story about the lengths that a boy will go to in order to save the dog he has grown to love. It is gives a lot of insight into how one lie can lead to another to the point where you lose you way. How hard work and determination can pay off in the end. Totally enjoyed reading this with my 5th graders.